Romford and Ilford Chiropractic Clinic

1. Hydrotherapy
313 High Road Chadwell Heath
Romford , Essex RM6 6AX
Tel : 0208 252 1010 : 0208 262 3140
www.chiropracticcare.co.uk
Technique
There are many methods of applying hydrotherapy including baths, showers, saunas and wraps. The
healing properties of hydrotherapy are based on its thermal effects. It uses the body’s reaction to hot
and cold stimuli to carry nerve impulses in the body to stimulate the immune system, invigorate the
circulation and digestion, influence the production of stress hormones and lessen pain sensitivity.
Generally heat soothes the body as the blood and lymph flow to the periphery organs which slow
down the activity of the internal organs. Cold stimulates and invigorates, increasing internal activity
because it pushes blood and lymph that is carried deep within.
Epsom Salt Baths
Epsom salts are made of the mineral magnesium sulphate.
When magnesium sulphate is absorbed through the skin,
such as in a bath, it draws toxins from the body, sedates
the nervous system, reduces swelling, relaxes muscles
and is a natural emollient. Hot water draws toxins out of
the body to the surface of the skin while the water cools it
pulls toxins from the skin. Epsom salts increase this
detoxification by causing you to sweat.
Dissolve a kilo of Epsom salts in a warm bath, lay back and
relax for 20 minutes. Cool down at the end by turning on the cold tap to lower the water temperature
and stay in the bath for a few more minutes until you start to feel cold. Go straight to bed afterwards in
cotton nightwear so that you can sweat. You may like to get up later and clean off in a warm shower
and it is important to keep plenty of water on hand so you can sip as required.
Foot Baths
When there is little or no energy available for a hot bath a foot bath would
probably be more appropriate or if there is nobody around to supervise. Put a
dessertspoon of mustard powder into a bowl of water that is as hot as you can
stand comfortably and sit with your feet in the bowl for 10 to 20 minutes.
The mustard powder stimulates the body into removing toxic substances which will be drawn out
through the feet.